$ASTS (+0.85%) has several major partnerships in 2025, accelerating its mission to provide space-based cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones.
Mentioned companies and countries:
• Rakuten Mobile – Japan $4755 (-0.75%)
• Vodafone – Europe $VOD (+1.17%)
• 2degrees – New Zealand
• U.S. National Science Foundation – United States
In Japan, AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Mobile achieved the first-ever video call using a low Earth orbit satellite and unmodified smartphones, paving the way for nationwide satellite-to-mobile service from 2026. In Europe, a joint venture with Vodafone will deliver satellite connectivity to mobile operators across all European markets, with a new research and validation hub opening in Málaga, Spain. Additionally, AST SpaceMobile has partnered with 2degrees in New Zealand and signed a coordination agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation.
